Professional Coin Grading Service

C Bechtler $2.50 K-13 70 Grains, 20 CaratXF40

Owner's Comments

Estimated grade. Sold by B. Max Mehl Jun '41 price realized $42.6

Expert Comments

Ron Guth:
Christopher Bechtler and his son Augustus produced a large number of gold coins in North Carolina and Georgia over a period from 1831 to as late as 1852. The denominations they struck included $1, $2.50, and $5 (only Christopher made $2.50s).

All of the $2.50 "Bechtlers" are rare, ranging from Rarity 5 to Unique. This variety (Kagin 13) has the weight of 70 grains and the purity of 20 carats indicated on the reverse, and the denomination and place of manufacture on the obverse. K-13 is one of the least rare of the several $2.50 varieties, but it is still difficult to obtain in any condition. A few high grade examples are known, the best of which appears to be a single PCGS MS63.

On the K-13 variety, the die engraver used inverted Vs for the As in the reverse legends.